Christian Stevenson, aka DJ BBQ, will host the National Burger Awards 2017, as the biggest burger bash in the calendar returns for its third year.

Stevenson (pictured), best known for broadcasting across a variety of channels and presenting on Jamie Oliver’s Food Tube, will take control of the Islington Metal Works on Wednesday 22 February 2017, as 16 of the finest burger chefs in the UK come together for the cook-off.

“If anything should be celebrated, it’s the almighty burger,” says Stevenson. “I’ve spent the past four decades cooking burgers and reckon I have one of the best recipes on the planet, but there are others out there that care as much as I do about burgers and I’m looking forward to hosting the National Burger Awards and sampling some of these amazing creations. Are you ready for the National Burger Awards? I’ve been waiting my whole life for this!”

Stevenson will also be sitting on the judging panel for 2017’s Signature burger round, where he joins an elite group of judges.

Tasting the creations this year are Hawksmoor co-founder Richard Turner, Byron head of food Fred Smith, Telegraph food writer Xanthe Clay and Andy Waugh, founder of Mac & Wild, which won 2016’s National Burger Awards.

“I am super excited to be judging the awards this year and am very much looking forward to tasting what I hope to be the best the UK has to offer,” says Smith. “I believe in fundamentally simple burgers with a coherent, authentic inspiration and an innovative twist.”

Stevenson recently spoke with Chris Evans on his BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show about how to cook the ultimate burger. Have a listen and get cooking!